COLUMN: Office has goal of making interactions with federal agencies easier

While nearly all of the attention on members of Congress is centered on votes cast in Washington, the most important work is done right here at home.

For example, there isnít much thatís more important to someone struggling to understand their Medicare benefits than to have a real person available to assist them, instead of spending hours on hold with a help line. As our government has grown in size and scope, itís become increasingly important for my staff and me to serve as a resource for anyone interacting with the federal government.

From helping folks deal with the Social Security Administration to consulting with talented entrepreneurs looking for a Small Business Administration loan, we do everything we can to make interactions with federal government agencies easier.

For the veteran whose service records were filed incorrectly, nothing is more important than making sure the Department of Veterans Affairs realizes the error and provides adequate care. Nothing could be more important to a mission group ready to serve others or a family heading on vacation than to have their passports delivered in a timely manner.

Of all the tasks we take on, one of the most rewarding is helping our nationís best and brightest young men and women find their way into a Service Academy. Recommending the future leaders of our Armed Forces requires a great deal of thoughtful consideration. In order to appoint the most highly qualified individuals, we convene a board of retired military professionals who help identify candidates with the leadership traits, motivation and aptitude necessary for military service.

My number one priority as a representative is to listen to you and serve you to the best of my ability. If you have any questions or concerns that my staff or I can answer, please donít hesitate to contact me. In order to continue providing accessible and professional service to the people of the 10th District, weíve relocated offices to accommodate the new district boundaries drawn by the state legislature.

In addition to our district office in Hickory, we have locations now open in Gastonia and Black Mountain. No constituent in my district is more than a county away from a congressional office. I hope youíll call or come by if you have any questions, or just to say hello.